Top tips for senior management interviews
VIEWS – DO’S & DON’TS
Excelling in any interview can be difficult, no less so for a Senior level position. To increase the chance of success, positioning yourself as the ‘best person for the role’ is key. Understanding the thoughts and perspectives of the hiring managers/recruiters can dramatically elevate your chances.
Experts2Care have placed many senior level, experienced candidates and have gained vast interview experience over the past 10 years. Here’s what we found;
‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail’ – Benjamin Franklin.
As with any interview, preparation is key. Many candidates are unsuccessful at interviews, due to lack of preparation.
DO’S:
PLAN
- Research the company, use your recruiter to their full capacity (they should have in depth knowledge of the client and the role). Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) when preparing answers and think of relevant examples you could apply. Check out the mission statement and prepare questions to ask the interviewers.
PRACTICE
- Build on the information you have collated; often additional examples or competencies can be thought of over a few days, so give yourself time to do so. Make it personal, imagine yourself working for the company, where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? What can bring to the business? Use the ERH (Example, result & Hindsight) technique for answering questions.
PERSONALITY
- As well as skills and experience companies are looking for the ‘right fit’ for their business. Knowing as much as possible about the company can ensure that you are the right person for the role. How do your career objectives fit with the growth plan of the business? Be enthusiastic about the role, interviewers like to see that you are as passionate about the company as they are.
DON’TS:
INTERVIEW
- Do not waste yours or the clients time by interviewing for a role that you do not want. If you and your recruiter have done enough research on the company and the opportunity, then you should know whether it is right for you. Remember, your recruiter is working for you and should understand your needs and requirements for your next career move, ultimately ensuring a client- candidate match.
WEAKNESSES
- People buy from people, the interviewers are not looking for you to be perfect, they are looking for you to be ‘real’. Stay positive, even when being asked difficult questions, they are not looking to ‘trip’ you up but will be keen to see how you navigate any hurdles.
POSITIVITY
- Try to be positive about why you are leaving your current role. Do not say you don’t like the boss, or the role was ‘boring’. Use phases such as ‘I’m looking for a new challenge’ or this role is more relevant to career path you have chosen and relate this to the role you are applying too.